You won't find a review that said Mark did a poor job as Eddie/Dirk. He was definately robbed of an Oscar/Golden Globe. But that's just a different topic. Let's focus on his work.

As in most character study type films, the character transforms. In this case, from naive young man with no direction to cocky porn star to washed up/drugged out and finally as someone who has learned a bit. Instead of 2 or three steps, we get a gradual process. It just flowed.

Another part is how Mark interacts with the other characters. It's one thing that he always brings to his films, you see the tendrils of a connection between his co-stars. In this picture you see it much stronger than a few of his other films.

From Jack, Amber, Rollergirl, and the rest of the cast, you get pulled into the affection and later the anger the others have for Eddie/Dirk.

If I had to the choice of picking one scene that was his best, it actually is fairly early in the film. It is the scene where Eddie and his mom are fighting just before he decides to join Horner. The frustrations and loathing in that family was just powerful stuff.

I also liked the Amber/Eddie sex scene one. But it was more Julianne Moore's scene than Mark's I think.

I agree with Lianne.
I felt strong chemisty of each characters in the film.
Eddie and his mom's fighting scene are very impressive.
His mother's refracted love to her son. Why?
Why she is hard on her son?
What would make her cruel mother?
Because she exactly knows her son's GIFT?
Her loving son changed her as a result?
And she changed her husband who does not have presence at all?
It's tragedy,the love between families became more complicated and fatal.
That's why Eddie feel comfortable with Amber, affectionate mother and Jack, like tolerant father.JohnC and Rollergirl are like his brother and sister.

Another impressive scene is where Dirk ,Jhon.C and Todd are in the Rahad(sp?)'s house. They are in very dangerous situation, but Dirk is making hollow expression,it's like in the absent-mindedness state. I thougt then,Mark is the best actor I've ever seen.

Lianne
I just noticed the topic I posted before here has deleted. My post(goof and proof) must be bad.I may used unsuitabale pics here.
I am sorry.

I agree Lianne he was definitely robbed of an oscar? and who won the oscar that year anyway?????....

another scene Mark played well was where he just had to sit and listen to Burt Reynolds character tell him about the business...Mark demonstrates that 'young naive teenager' very well with very little being said by his character....knowing full well Mark W is a long way from being 'naive'...

there are many more scenes I could list...including the last scene where he is having the conversation with to the mirror psyching him self up for another BIG scene...

I need to rent this one again. I just remember thinking how much of a stretch this role was for him and how many different emotions and stages he went through. The critics did love him - its a bummer he didn't get any formal recognition through the awards.
-m

I don't think Mark's character, Dirk Diggler/Eddie completed his transformation from "naive teenager to one who has learned a bit." I believe in the end he is still concieded and hasn't learned anything.

I agree with Lianne, I was very impressed by this film and think Mark did a great job, this whole film was about his transformation and realisation of who he is, he learnt most of his lessons the hard way but he accepted his destiny. Mark really worked his character and developed alot of feeling and depth through Dirk.

I agree Ediie & mum fighting is very realistic.Brilliant bit of acting there by both.I thought the expressions on Mark's face when they were in the house trying to sell the drugs was good as well.
So sad at the end when he went back & asked can you help me please?